# goo dictionary

> Japanese online dictionary

**Wikidata**: [Q11221823](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11221823)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/goo-dictionary

## Summary
The goo dictionary is a Japanese online dictionary launched on August 2, 1999, as part of the goo web portal. It provided access to lexical and biographical information, including the "goo biographical dictionary," before its scheduled closure on June 25, 2025.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: August 2, 1999.
- **Closure Date**: June 25, 2025 (announced via official notice on May 17, 2025).
- **Country**: Japan.
- **Language**: Japanese.
- **Components**: Included the "goo biographical dictionary," linked to Shogakukan's Digital Daijisen database.
- **Classifications**: Instance of website, dictionary, and online dictionary.
- **Source Reference**: Closure announcement published at <https://help.goo.ne.jp/help/article/2889/>.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the goo dictionary?
A: The goo dictionary is a Japanese online dictionary launched in 1999, offering lexical and biographical search features, and scheduled to close in June 2025.

### Q: When was the goo dictionary discontinued?
A: The service was announced to end on June 25, 2025, with an official notice posted on May 17, 2025.

### Q: What resources did the goo dictionary include?
A: It included the "goo biographical dictionary," enabling searches of names in a person database and Shogakukan's Digital Daijisen.

## Why It Matters
The goo dictionary served as a key online reference tool in Japan for over 25 years, providing accessible lexical and biographical information to the public. Its integration with established databases like Shogakukan's Digital Daijisen underscored its reliability as a research resource. The dictionary’s longevity and eventual closure reflect broader shifts in digital information services, highlighting the challenges of maintaining legacy platforms in evolving technological landscapes. For Japanese speakers, it played a role in language education, historical research, and general knowledge acquisition, bridging traditional print dictionaries with the digital age.

## Notable For
- **Longevity**: Operated for over 25 years as a prominent Japanese online dictionary.
- **Biographical Database**: Offered specialized search functions for names and historical figures.
- **Shogakukan Collaboration**: Integrated content from Shogakukan’s authoritative Digital Daijisen.
- **Scheduled Closure**: Notable for its planned discontinuation in 2025 after a quarter-century of service.

## Body

### History
- **Launch**: The goo dictionary debuted on August 2, 1999, as part of the broader goo web portal, a Japanese internet service launched in 1990.
- **Closure Announcement**: On May 17, 2025, the service announced its termination for June 25, 2025, citing operational decisions.

### Features
- **Core Functionality**: Provided definitions, word searches, and biographical entries.
- **Specialized Content**: The "goo biographical dictionary" enabled searches within a dedicated person database and cross-referenced Shogakukan’s Digital Daijisen, a comprehensive Japanese encyclopedia.

### Technical Details
- **Domain**: Operated under the goo.ne.jp domain as part of the larger goo platform.
- **Language Support**: Primarily served Japanese-language content, catering to domestic users.

### Legacy
- **Cultural Impact**: Served as a trusted reference for students, researchers, and general users in Japan.
- **Digital Preservation**: Its closure highlights the ephemeral nature of online resources and the need for archival efforts in preserving digital knowledge.

## References

1. [「goo辞書」サービス終了のお知らせ](https://help.goo.ne.jp/help/article/2889/)